Animal Abuse and Family Violence Task Force

Domestic abuse and animal cruelty often go hand in hand. A recent survey of domestic violence shelters found that 91% of victims report animal abuse; and 73% of their children also report pet abuse. Council President Michael C. Mentel leads Council’s effort to form a community coalition of concerned advocates, including law enforcement agencies, animal rights groups, and child advocacy agencies, working to make it easier for women and children to escape domestic violence situations by giving a safe haven for family pets that might be under threat. The People & Animal Welfare Society of Central Ohio (PAWS) serves as the non-profit agency coordinating the effort.

Council also provides annual financial support to the Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) to conduct animal cruelty investigations.

To learn more about the connection between violence against humans and animal cruelty, please visit CAHS.